As we count down the final months of 2016, we continue to keep a close eye on the laws and regulations most likely to impact your workplace labor law postings. The pace of change at the federal, state and local levels has been brisk, and we have every reason to believe it will be just as fast-paced the rest of this year and into next.
All businesses (particularly federal contractors) should be aware of possible new federal-level postings and, depending on your state, additional postings related to fair employment, equal pay, paid sick time and minimum wage laws. But that’s not all! Local postings may also come into play, due to the growing trend of cities and counties’ passing their own, more generous, paid sick time and minimum wage ordinances.
Here’s what we’re monitoring, based on the latest legal developments at the federal or state level. In each case, the government hasn’t released revised or new posters … yet. But when it does, you’ll need to update your required workplace posters to remain current and compliant.
Federal Posters:
- Possible EEOC Federal Poster Change and/or Federal Contractor EEO/VEVRAA Poster Change — based on March 24, 2014, law expanding veteran protections
- Possible EEOC Federal Poster Change and/or Federal Contractor EEO/Sexual Orientations and Gender Identity Poster Change — based on final regulations, effective April 8, 2015
- Change to three Federal Contractor Posters — based on January 1, 2017, minimum wage increase (announced by the DOL September 10, 2016)
- Possible new Federal Contractor Poster — based on September 7, 2015, paid sick leave executive order
State Posters:
- New York — Fair Employment Poster, law effective January 20, 2016; Minimum Wage Poster, law effective December 31, 2016
- California — Fair Employment Poster, law effective April 1, 2016; Minimum Wage Poster, law effective January 1, 2017
- District of Columbia — Minimum Wage Poster, law effective July 1, 2017
- Maryland — Equal Pay for Equal Work Poster, law effective October 1, 2016
- Michigan — Minimum Wage Poster, law effective January 1, 2017
- Oregon — Minimum Wage Poster, law effective July 1, 2017
- Vermont — Paid Sick Poster, law effective January 1, 2017
Other minimum wage-related posting changes — Several states have minimum wages tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) that haven’t been announced yet: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, and Ohio. Once the wages are announced, the posting updates will follow. Be aware, too, that these states have 2017 increases that are already listed on the current posters, so updated postings aren’t necessary: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Weapons postings — In most states, you must post specific signs if you wish to inform employees and visitors that you prohibit carrying concealed weapons. (Otherwise, licensed individuals are entitled to do so.) Texas, Tennessee and the District of Columbia had weapons poster changes this year, and we’re monitoring other states for similar changes.
Compliant today … and tomorrow
Posting compliance is becoming increasingly complex. Don’t try to manage it all on your own! With Poster Guard® Compliance Protection, you can be certain you’re up to date with all required federal, state and, now, local labor law postings. Backed by an experienced legal team, only Poster Guard® Compliance Protection provides 365 days of hassle-free labor law posting compliance — guaranteed.
